Pencil lead indicator



NOV, 1, 1932. 'B E PENCIL LEAD INDICATOR Filed NOV. 23, 1931 INVENTOR ATTO R N EY Fatented Nov. 1, 19 32 UNITED STATES.

LESLIE c. BALMER, or s'nroors, mrssonar PENCIL. LEAD mnrcnron Application filed November 23, 1931; SerialNo. 576,890.

This invention relatesto indicators and its general object is to provide leads or lead refills for mechanical'lead pencils with indicating means thereon so that it can be ascertainedat a glance when the lead is practical? consumed, at which time it can be replace thereby overcoming the inconvenience of having the stub lead drop from the pencil during the use of the latter Which generally happens 10 When the lead is approximately one-eighth of an inch in length, and again when the lead becomes the length as set forth, if it does not fall from the pencil itis loose and wabbly and therefore practically useless.

vide an indicating means for leads or lead refills for mechanical pencils, that is extremely simple, inexpensive and eificient in operation and service.

' This invention also consists in certain other features of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, to be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and specifically. 5B5 pointed out in the appended claims. v

In describing my invention in detail reference will be had to the accompanying rawing wherein like characters denote like or cor responding parts, throughout the several a0 views, and in which: I i Figure 1 illustrates a mechanical lead pencil showing my indicating means in use.-

Figure 2 illustrates a-lead having my indicating means thereon. .Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken through the lead and indicating means.

Referring to'the drawing in detail, the reference numeral A indicates a mechanical lead pencil of the usual construction and which is adapted to receive leads or lead refills having my indicating means thereon. While I have shown a lead with indicating means in the form of a cap which is indicated by the reference numeral 1, I want it understood that the indicating means may be integrally Another object of the invention is to pro three siXteenth s of an inch in length so that it'can be seen at a glance when the lead is practically consumed, as shown in Figure 1.

. In the form as shown in the drawing, the lead 2 is reduced at one end to'accommodate the cap'l Whichof course is of tubular formation and of the same diameter as the major portion of the lead as shown in Figure 3. One end of the cap is closed, and the cap may be formed from any desired inexpensive material; v I 7 It is thought from theforegoing descrip tion that the advantages and novel features of my invention will be readily apparent. I V I desire it to be understood that I may make changes in the construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, provided that such changes fall within the scope of'the appended claims.

' What Iclaimis: I a

1. In a lead for mechanical lead pencils,

an indicating means comprising a cap disposed on one end of the lead. '2. In a lead for pencils, an indicating means therefor comprising a cap of tubular formation secured on one end of said lead and said capbeingof a color contrasting to the color of the lead.

3. In a lead for mechanical lead pencils, an indicating means for said lead and comso prising a cap of tubular formation, said lead having'a reduced end having said cap mount.- ed thereon, said cap having a closed end and being ofa color contrasting to the color of formed with the lead, or the lead may have I one of its end portions colored, but in any event the indicating means is of a contrasting color with respect to the color of the lead, I 50 and the indicating means is approximately.

the lead. In te'stimonywhereof I aifix my signature.

LESLIE G. B ALMER. 

